HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn post) Former Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi has publicly responded to criticism from current President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, rejecting allegations made against him during a recent central committee meeting of the ruling Waddani Party and raising fresh questions about what he described as secretive foreign policy decisions under the new administration.
In a statement published on his official Facebook page, Muse Bihi accused President Irro of misrepresenting his previous remarks regarding Somaliland’s international recognition efforts and alleged that the presidency deliberately edited public statements to distort the message delivered by senior national leaders.
“President Irro made remarks about me during his party’s central committee meeting, so I find it necessary to briefly respond,” Muse Bihi said in the statement.
Muse Bihi Rejects Recognition Claims Raised by Irro
The dispute centers around remarks by President Irro, who reportedly claimed that Muse Bihi had previously stated he secured recognition for Somaliland from both Guinea and Ethiopia during his presidency.
Muse Bihi categorically denied ever making such a claim, saying the accusation was factually incorrect.
“I have never at any point said that I secured official recognition from any government. That accusation is false, and you have spoken untruthfully,” the former president stated.
He said his previous comments had been misunderstood and politically manipulated, insisting that he had always approached Somaliland’s recognition issue with caution and strategic consideration.
Former President Defends His Position on Somaliland Recognition
Bihi revisited remarks he delivered earlier at the Somaliland presidential palace after reports emerged regarding possible international recognition developments.
According to the former president, he had acknowledged that recognition remains Somaliland’s top national priority but stressed that any breakthrough should be carefully evaluated to avoid internal political divisions.
“Recognition is our country’s highest priority. But any development surrounding that issue must be examined from multiple perspectives, so disagreements do not emerge among our people,” he said.
Muse Bihi further accused officials at the presidency of selectively editing his statement while omitting separate remarks made by former President Dahir Riyale Kahin.
“It is unfortunate that the presidency cut and altered my speech, removing its actual meaning entirely. They also removed President Dahir Riyale’s remarks from the platform. So, who exactly committed the mistake here?” he asked.
Questions Raised Over Alleged Secret Visit to Israel
In one of the sharpest parts of his statement, Muse Bihi questioned President Irro’s diplomatic handling of relations with Israel, alleging the Somaliland leader had previously visited Israel in secret without informing the public or the media.
According to Bihi, such actions represent an unprecedented level of secrecy for a Somaliland head of state.
“You publicly admitted that you had previously visited Israel while keeping both the Somaliland public and the media completely unaware. You are the first Somaliland president to undertake secret foreign trips and later admit those hidden travels,” Muse Bihi stated.
The accusation comes amid heightened political debate over Somaliland’s emerging diplomatic engagement with Israel and reports surrounding possible cooperation agreements.
Muse Bihi Questions UAE and Ethiopia Travel Arrangements
The former president also raised questions about President Irro’s recent official foreign trips, particularly regarding what he described as unusual separation between the president and members of his delegation.
Bihi referenced a recent trip to the United Arab Emirates, saying President Irro remained there for an extended period before departing separately, while cabinet ministers accompanying the delegation reportedly stayed behind in Ethiopia before leaving independently.
He questioned why such diplomatic visits were conducted with unusual levels of secrecy.
“Mr. President, what exactly is behind the secrecy and why has your delegation been operating in a fragmented and divided manner during these official trips?” Muse Bihi asked.
Political Tensions Intensify Over Somaliland Foreign Policy Debate
The exchange marks a significant escalation in political tensions between Somaliland’s current leadership and former senior officials, as debate intensifies over recognition efforts, foreign relations, and diplomatic engagement with Israel.
The controversy also comes as opposition parties increasingly scrutinize President Irro’s foreign policy strategy, particularly after recent discussions surrounding Somaliland’s reported diplomatic positioning on Jerusalem and relations with Israel.
Key Quotes
“I have never claimed that I secured recognition from Guinea or Ethiopia. That is simply false.”
“Recognition is Somaliland’s number one national priority, but every development must be handled carefully to avoid internal conflict.”
“You are the first Somaliland president to conduct secret foreign visits and later admit those hidden trips.”
“Mr. President, what exactly is behind this secrecy and division?”
Prepared By
Horn Post Staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
